Work now, relax later . . .

Get your home and table whipped into shape early with this Thanksgiving plan

November 15, 2007|By Judy Wiley, Ft. Worth Star-Telegram

You have one weekend -- yes, just "one" weekend before Thanksgiving. Don't believe us? Go check the calendar; the holiday is early this year.

Which means it's time to get organized, at least if you're trying to avoid a repeat of last year, when the gravy set up like lard while you were rummaging for the gravy boat (it was in the attic), and Aunt Millie refused to sleep in the guest bedroom because it smelled like dog (that's where he sleeps). Sure, everyone (mostly) loves you anyway, but wouldn't you rather have a less stressful Turkey Day?

So we found some people who are good at this: Lupe Ayala, owner of La Playa Maya in Ft. Worth, who makes two turkeys -- one Mexican-style, one traditional -- at home every year to feed 25 to 40 family members; Sandee Larkin, owner of Harrison House in Waxahachie, Texas, who is planning dinner for 42 family members at her bed and breakfast this year; and B.K. McCollum, who runs B.K.'s Creative Catering in Ft. Worth.

Our experts helped us craft a plan of attack for the holiday, full of practical steps you might forget to do otherwise, plus some wonderful touches to help your guests feel welcome, happy and appreciated. Because isn't that what Thanksgiving is really all about?

The planning

1.Make a guest list, if you haven't already.

2.Put together your menu -- for the holiday meal; any other meals you'll be serving while your guests are here; and snacks that overnight guests will enjoy (fruit, sandwich ingredients, etc.).

3.Call everyone and confirm whether they'll attend. Make note of food allergies, number of children attending (will you need booster seats? highchairs?) and any older folks who might need extra help.

4.If Thanksgiving dinner is potluck, get the dishes assigned.

5.Sit down with your menus and "start building a game plan," Ayala says. Make a shopping list, divided into perishables and nonperishables.

The work for the meal

1.Buy the nonperishables today, and if you plan to order a fresh turkey, get that done today. If you're planning on a frozen bird, figure out the poundage and time required to thaw it in the refrigerator, the safe way to do it.

2.From Ayala: Calibrate your oven. Get a meat thermometer you know is accurate, set the oven temperature, and after it's heated, check to see that the two match. If not, adjust your oven dial accordingly when you cook this year.

3.If you're trying a new recipe this year, make it now, McCollum says. And eat it, too, to make sure it's good.

4.Iron the tablecloth and napkins. If you want new ones, get them now.

5.Consider seating. Do you have enough? If not, do you want to have dinner in two seatings, or just one? If you need to rent or borrow tables, chairs and child seats, take care of that.

6.Get out the silver for polishing, and make sure you have enough place settings. If you don't, put the everyday cutlery on the kids' tables. Make sure you have enough serving pieces.

7.Wipe down or wash any crystal you plan to use, and fill the salt and pepper shakers.

8.Decide on a table centerpiece. If you're using a dried arrangement, get what you need and make it, or buy one. Fresh flowers should wait until later.

9.Clean out the refrigerator, especially if you're having overnight guests, Larkin says, and check the dates on condiments. Throw out anything that's expired.

10.If you're using candles, check your supply and add them to the shopping list if needed. Add firewood to the list, if you have a fireplace and plan to use it.

11.If you want background music, decide what it should be, and get something new if necessary.

12.Locate any kids' games you want to share with guests. Rent or borrow some age-appropriate movies. Get new boxes of crayons and drawing paper or appropriate coloring books.

Get help online

Several Web sites are great resources for Thanksgiving planning. A few we liked:

- Oprah Winfrey's site, www.oprah.com, has thought-provoking stories on topics such as gratitude, gathering and relaxing, along with recipes. Type "Thanksgiving" into the site search engine.

- Better Homes & Gardens, www.bhg.com, has a great Thanksgiving countdown that starts in early November. That catch is, you have to register on the site to find it.